Bird Flu (H5N1) in New South Wales — Live Detections & Tracker
Live tracking of confirmed and suspected avian influenza (H5N1) detections across New South Wales, drawn from the DAFF National outbreak dataset, state agencies, and verified community reports. This page updates automatically as new surveillance data lands.
Latest detections in New South Wales
| Reported | Species | Locality | Status |
| 21-10-2026 | Terns | Kew | ● Confirmed |
| 20-10-2026 | Ibis | Rosemeadow | ● Confirmed |
| 16-10-2026 | Ibis | Punchbowl | ● Confirmed |
| 12-10-2026 | White-bellied sea eagle | Lake Macquarie | ◌ Unconfirmed |
| 12-10-2026 | Wedge-tailed eagle | Toothdale | ◌ Unconfirmed |
| 09-10-2026 | Australian magpie | Bermagui | ● Confirmed |
| 09-10-2026 | Greater crested tern | Swansea | ● Confirmed |
| 29-09-2026 | Greater crested tern | Nambucca Heads | ● Confirmed |
| 26-09-2026 | Tern | Boomerang Beach | ◌ Unconfirmed |
| 25-09-2026 | Greater crested tern | Sawtell | ● Confirmed |
| 24-09-2026 | Giant petrel | Hawks Nest | ◌ Unconfirmed |
| 24-09-2026 | Shearwater | Stockton Beach | ◌ Unconfirmed |
| 24-09-2026 | Shy albatross | Stockton Beach | ◌ Unconfirmed |
| 24-09-2026 | Tern | Stockton Beach | ◌ Unconfirmed |
| 23-09-2026 | Greater crested tern | Tuggerah | ● Confirmed |
See all 84 New South Wales detections (confirmed and unconfirmed) on the live bird flu map →
Frequently asked questions
Is bird flu currently in New South Wales?
Yes. As of 22-10-2026, Avian Flu Watch lists 73 confirmed H5N1 detections in New South Wales, the most recent reported on 21-10-2026. 7 of these were recorded in the last 28 days. Unconfirmed reports awaiting official verification are shown separately on the live map.
What should I do if I find sick or dead birds in New South Wales?
Do not touch or handle sick or dead wild birds or animals. Report suspected bird flu immediately by calling the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Keep pets away from dead wildlife, and wash your hands thoroughly if you have had any contact.
Can humans or pets catch H5N1 from wild birds?
Human infections with H5N1 are rare and almost always follow close, unprotected contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments. The practical risk to the general public is currently assessed as low, but avoid handling sick or dead birds, and keep dogs and cats away from bird carcasses — mammals including pets can be infected by scavenging.
Where does this data come from?
Detections are drawn from official Australian government surveillance (the DAFF National outbreak dataset and state agencies such as SA DPIRD and Agriculture Victoria), international reporting via WOAH, and community-submitted links that are verified by a moderator before appearing. Confirmed and unconfirmed events are always labelled separately.